The Psychological Impact and Associated Factors of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Care Providers at Chainama Psychiatry Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Introduction:  The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious psychological consequences for healthcare providers at a higher risk of exposure to heavy workloads and a high-risk environment. Healthcare providers on the front lines, involved in diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients with COVID-19, were particularly vulnerable to developing psychological distress and other mental health symptoms, including emotional disturbance. Objective:  In response to this critical situation, this study aims to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 and associated factors on healthcare providers at Chainama Hills College Hospital (CHCH) in Lusaka, Zambia. The findings of this study may inform interventions and support programs to mitigate the psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare providers and improve their overall well-being. Method:  A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted in a hospital setting using a self-administered questionnaire survey between August 1st and 10th, 2021. A total of 194 healthcare providers were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The survey used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to assess the psychological well-being of the participants. Results:  Our study findings indicate that healthcare providers are experiencing a high level of stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a Stress score of 92.0, which is considered significant under the circumstances. Additionally, the healthcare providers exhibited mild levels of depression and anxiety, with DASS-21 scores of 13.0 and 12, respectively. These findings were at a 0.05 level of significance. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of prioritizing the well-being of healthcare providers. With the heightened demands and stressors associated with caring for patients during a pandemic, we must prioritize the mental and physical health needs of healthcare providers. Providing adequate support, resources, and attention to the well-being of healthcare providers can help to prevent burnout, reduce turnover, and improve patient outcomes. By recognizing the importance of caring for our healthcare providers, we can help to ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare services during such challenging times.